Buffalo Bills at Philadelphia Eagles: NFL Week 14 Picks
By Erik Lambert
Nov 23, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Can two teams who don’t have winning records really have such a profound impact on the overall structure of the NFL playoff race? Welcome to the world of parity as the 5-7 Philadelphia Eagles prepare to take on the 6-6 Buffalo Bills. Which one gets the win and the need postseason boost that goes with it?
Backdrop:
The primary storyline of this game will be the feud between Eagles head coach Chip Kelly and Bills running back LeSean McCoy. It was Kelly who initiated the trade of McCoy to Buffalo during the off-season in exchange for linebacker Kiko Alonso. It’s clear that McCoy took exception to what he believes was a blatant slap in the face after all he did for Kelly and the Eagles.
In truth though, fans will be more focused on the fact that both these teams are still in position to make the playoffs. Philadelphia is tied for the NFC East lead while Buffalo is only a game behind the Jets and Steelers for a possible wild card berth.
Matchup To Watch:
WR Sammy Watkins vs. CB Byron Maxwell
There was always the fear back in free agency that the Eagles were paying cornerback Byron Maxwell for the success of the Seahawks defense when he was there, and the not the success of the man himself. Time has proven that fear correct as he’s struggled at times this season.
One can bet the Bills know that, so they’ll look to get their best receiver matched up on him. That will be Sammy Watkins. The speedy second-year man has enjoyed a breakout campaign with 635 yards and six touchdowns on just 34 catches. Maxwell will certainly have his hands full.
Key Stat:
There may be another reason McCoy is so anxious to play the Eagles. If he’s been watching the stat lines, he’d notice that Philadelphia is really having a hard time stopping the run this season. They’re allowing 124.7 yards per game. Buffalo his 4th in the NFL running the ball and McCoy leads the way averaging 4.6 yards per carry. One can imagine Rex Ryan is well aware of that and plans to feed him as much as possible.
Prediction: Eagles win 26-23
This is going to be a tight, gritty affair with a lot of unexpected shifts in momentum. McCoy will end up getting his 100 yards and probably a touchdown but in the end Kelly will get the last laugh as the Eagles continue to ride the momentum of that big upset in New England by escaping with a late field goal for the win.